Kinzel Springs,Townsend, Tennessee, 37882

## Overview Kinzel Springs is a roadside public drinking spring located near Townsend, Tennessee, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Nestled along a quiet stretch of road in the small community of Kinzel Springs — a historic settlement at the western edge of the Smokies — this spring has long served as a convenient stop for locals and visitors passing through the area. The water flows steadily from a copper pipe, offering a simple and charming setup that reflects the region's deep tradition of mountain spring water. The Kinzel Springs community itself sits along the Little River corridor, an area rich in Appalachian heritage. The surrounding landscape is lush and wooded, with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just a short drive to the east. Visitors have historically used springs like this one as reliable sources of fresh water, and the tradition of stopping at roadside springs remains a cherished part of life in rural East Tennessee. ## Directions 1. From Townsend, Tennessee, head west along the road toward the Kinzel Springs community (GPS coordinates: 35.68567, -83.45673). 2. Watch for the spring on the **left side of the road**. 3. Look for a **small wooden cross** marking the location — the spring flows from a copper pipe just beside it. 4. There is limited roadside space, so pull over carefully and be mindful of passing traffic. ## What to Expect Kinzel Springs is a modest, easy-to-access roadside spring. The water emerges from a copper pipe, making it straightforward to fill bottles or jugs. A small wooden cross stands near the spring, serving as both a landmark and a quiet marker of the site's significance to the local community. The setting is peaceful and rural, surrounded by the green hills and hardwood forests typical of the western Smoky Mountain foothills. There are no formal facilities at the spring — no restrooms, parking lots, or signage beyond the cross — so plan accordingly. The spring is accessible year-round, though water flow may vary with seasonal rainfall. Because this is a natural, untreated spring, the water has not been officially tested or certified. Visitors have historically used it as a drinking water source, but as with any wild spring, water quality can change over time. If you're in the area exploring Townsend, Cades Cove, or the national park, Kinzel Springs makes for a worthwhile and refreshing stop along the way.